Syria’s new authorities planning to make education free

The new authorities in Syria are striving to make education free throughout the country, Nazir al-Qadri, Education Minister of the transitional Syrian government, said in an interview with Al Jazeera.

“The government is committed to the idea of making education free. This is a right for every Syrian citizen. We are working on a new educational project that will meet the aspirations of the Syrian people,” al-Qadri stated.

According to him, there are 350,000 teachers in Syria. “The monthly salary for a Syrian teacher is only $20; steps are being taken to increase it,” the official noted.

“We have received a heavy legacy [from the country’s previous leadership], and we are working to implement changes and develop educational programs,” al-Qadri said.